homemade au gratin potato recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best homemade au gratin potato recipe

I’m so excited to share my favorite homemade au gratin potato recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m always asked to make it for family gatherings and special occasions.

The story behind this recipe is quite fascinating – it originated in the south of France, where it’s known as ‘pommes de terre au gratin’. The name literally translates to ‘gratinated potatoes’, which is exactly what this dish is all about.

The key technique here is to cook the potatoes in a creamy sauce, topped with a layer of cheese and breadcrumbs, which creates a crispy golden-brown crust on top. It’s truly divine and has become a favorite among my family and friends.

When I think of au gratin potatoes, I think of comfort food at its finest. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special holiday feast.

I love how this recipe combines the simplicity of potatoes with the richness of cheese and cream, making it an absolute delight to eat. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to prepare this dish – just layer the ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven do the rest.

It’s truly a game-changer for mealtime stress.

Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes

4.5 from 1640 votes

Creamy and comforting, these homemade Au Gratin Potatoes are a classic side dish perfect for any occasion. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a rich cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Potatoes

2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce

4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp flour
4 cups whole milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dry mustard
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline slicer.
Set aside.
3In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
5Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns light brown.
6Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form.
7Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dry mustard.
8Stir well to combine.
9Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
10Remove the saucepan from the heat.
11Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Set aside.
12Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
13Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
14Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
15In a mixing bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
16Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the potatoes.
17Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
18Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mandoline slicer
9×13 inch baking dish
Saucepan
Whisk
Mixing bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: Use a mandoline slicer for even potato slices. For a smoother sauce, strain the milk through a fine-mesh sieve before adding it to the roux.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes Works

This homemade au gratin potato recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a comforting meal after a long day.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time if needed.

Plus, it’s perfect for reheating on busy weeknights when you need something quick but satisfying.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Au Gratin Potatoes

Q: What type of potatoes are best for au gratin?

The best potatoes for au gratin are high-starch varieties like Russet or Idaho. These will yield a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior when cooked.

Q: Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheddar?

Of course! You can use other cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or even goat cheese if you prefer. Just keep in mind that each cheese will give you a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

Preparation time is relatively quick – about 20-25 minutes total. Just be sure to slice your potatoes thinly so they cook evenly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the potato mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

No, unfortunately not – the cheese and butter used in this recipe are not vegan-friendly.

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